The Supreme Council of the SSC-Khaatumo State, traditionally known as the Garaads, has expressed their endorsement of the UN Security Council’s recent statement on the escalating conflict in northern Somalia, particularly the troubled Sool region. Recognizing the weight of the declaration, the Council hailed it as a “significant step forward in securing peace in northern Somalia.”
This statement follows the extensive unrest in Laascaanood, the principal town of the Sool region, which has resulted in high civilian casualties and the displacement of over 150,000 people. The city has been a hotbed of violent disputes between the self-proclaimed state of Somaliland and the local Dhulbahante clan militia since early February.
The Council interprets the UN’s engagement as an affirmation of their protracted campaign for the Somaliland militia’s retreat from SSC territories. This move, they argue, is the cornerstone for establishing lasting peace in northern Somalia. The Council reiterated that the SSC-Khaatumo State has consistently advocated for withdrawing the Somaliland militia from SSC territories for a durable resolution.
Further, the Council calls for a more vigorous response from the UN Security Council. They are urging for Somaliland’s immediate and strategic withdrawal of its forces to Oog, demanding decisive action from the UN Security Council. The Council asserts, “We urge the members of the UN Security Council to take assertive actions to ensure that Somaliland withdraws its militias to Oog immediately.”
The SSC-Khaatumo Supreme Council also appeals to the Somaliland administration to fully abide by the UN Security Council’s directives, especially those related to their forces’ withdrawal from SSC territories. They underscore that implementing these instructions by the Somaliland administration is essential to achieving peace.
The SSC-Khaatumo State promise to assist in the peaceful withdrawal of Somaliland forces from SSC territories, underlining the importance of a non-violent approach.
The Council’s adherence to the UN principles of humanitarian emergency assistance is evident in its commitment to collaborate with partners to facilitate unhindered humanitarian assistance for their people. They also call for the Somaliland administration’s transparency concerning the landmine situation in the Sool region.
Expressing gratitude to the UN Security Council, the Supreme Council emphasized their appreciation for the UN’s reaffirmation of Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and unity. This statement highlights the vital role of international support in maintaining Somalia’s unity and stability amid the ongoing conflict.
SSC-KHATUMO SUPREME COUNCIL OF ELDERS Welcomes UNSC Statement on the Situation in #Laascaanood pic.twitter.com/MOj4ox6kqV
— Daljir Media (@radiodaljir) June 7, 2023
